Banana Bread with 2 Bananas
Make delicious banana bread with just 2 bananas! This quick, easy recipe creates perfectly moist bread with concentrated banana flavor. Perfect for when you're short on ingredients but still want homemade comfort for a healthy breakfast option.
Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe bananas (with brown speckles)
- 1/3 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1/3 cup melted butter or neutral oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt"
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- For enhanced banana flavor, microwave the 2 bananas for 30 seconds, then mash thoroughly with a fork or in a food processor until smooth.
- Add yogurt, melted butter or oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and sugar to the mashed bananas. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Do not overmix – a few small lumps are fine.
- If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
The yogurt or sour cream is essential in this recipe as it provides the moisture normally contributed by a third banana.
For a healthier version, reduce sugar to 1/2 cup and add 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed.
You can prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate it in the pan to bake fresh in the morning. Add 3-5 minutes to baking time if starting with cold batter.
For stronger banana flavor with just 2 bananas, add 1/4 teaspoon banana extract.
This bread freezes beautifully - wrap slices individually for quick breakfasts or lunchbox treats.